Bio

Radek Smolenak spent parts of four seasons playing at the junior level for the HC Kladno organization in the Czech Republic. He was just 15 years old when he started at the J-18 level scoring 2 goals and 3 points in 6 games in the 2000-2001 season. The following year Smolenak became a point a game player at the J18 level notching 29 goals and 49 points in 47 games with a +23 rating. Smolenak also spent the large majority of the following year in J18 potting 31 goals and 49 points in 33 games before receiving a brief callup to the J20 team where he had 2 goals in 3 games. Smolenak became a full time player with the J20 team in 2003-2004 scoring 27 goals and 52 points in 54 games. He was selected to represent the Czech Republic at the 2004 U18 World Junior Championships where he had 1 assist in 5 games. That summer he was selected in the 1st round, 25th overall in the 2004 CHL Import Draft by the Kingston Frontenacs of the OHL. Smolenak crossed the pond for the 2004-2005 season and had an excellent rookie season with Kingston scoring 32 goals and 60 points in 67 games. Smolenak's goal totals were tops in the OHL among rookies and at mid season he was named as an injury replacement for the CHL Top Prospects game where he chipped in a goal and an assist. The Lightning selected Smolenak in the 3rd round of the 2005 Entry Draft and Smolenak returned to Kingston after participating in the Traverse City Prospect tournament where he potted three goals in four games. Smolenak looked in line for a spot on the Czech Republic's U20 World Junior Championships, but was cut from the team just one day before the club's opening match of the tournament. Despite the setback, Smolenak looks poised to better his rookie numbers this season.

Smolenak was signed on 5/31/06 and spent most of his rookie season in the ECHL with Johnstown. With the Chiefs, Smolenak compiled 15 goals and 35 points in 43 games with 35 penalty minutes and a -6 rating. Smolenak was recalled to Springfield of the AHL for two months late in the season in which he was largely ineffective on the team's checking lines. In 20 games with Springfield, Smolenak had 0 goals and 1 point with 8 penalty minutes and a -5 rating.

Scouting Report

Strengths:

Smolenak is a natural scorer. The Lightning loves the fact he isnâ€™t afraid of high traffic areas and looks to shoot first. He has good speed and is decent away from the puck to get into passing lanes and seems to enjoy banging in the corners. Though not a speedster, Smolenakâ€™s skating is not holding him back by any means.

Weaknesses:

Consistency is always the key for young players and Smolenak is no different. Prior to being drafted, scouts claimed he took games off, but that seems to have improved in his second year in the OHL. Smolenak must learn to compete not only game-in and game-out, but shift-to-shift if he is to see the ice in Tampa for the Lightning. He must also continue to develop the defensive side of his game. He could also use his size more to his advantage.

Projection:

The Lightning were quick to mention Smolenak when looking at the teamâ€™s future offense but expectations have been tempered by a poor rookie season of pro. Smolenak still has scoring line NHL upside as a 20-30 goal scoring winger, but he has a long way to go to get there.